Joy Luck Club Vocab

Admonish

To warn or reprimand someone firmly; to advise or urge earnestly.

Adversary

One's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.

Apathetic

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Benevolent

Well-meaning and kindly; serving a charitable rather than a profit-making purpose.

Careen

To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction; to tilt to one side.

Chastise

to severely reprimand, criticize, or punish someone, often with the intent to correct improper behavior

Deft

Neatly skillful and quick in one's movements; demonstrating cleverness.

Deplete

To use up the supply or resources of; to diminish in number or quantity.

Diligent

Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.

Docile

Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.

Explicit

Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

Facade

The face of a building, especially the principal front; an outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality.

Haughty

Arrogantly superior and disdainful.

Innuendo

an indirect, often malicious hint or suggestion about a person or thing, typically implying something derogatory without directly stating it.

Jaunty

Having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.

Malignant

Evil in nature or effect; (in medicine) a growth or tumor that is infectious or life-threatening.

Penance

Voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done something wrong.

Posterity

All future generations of people.

Procure

To obtain something, especially with care or effort.

Pungent

Having a sharply strong taste or smell; (of comment/criticism) having a sharp and caustic quality.